Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Responsive Nature-Driven Imagery to Reduce Delirium After Cardiac Surgery

Researchers are investigating a new device called MindfulGarden for patients undergoing heart surgery in Canada. This device shows responsive nature scenes and sounds that adjust to the patient's body signals, aiming to help keep them calm and distracted. After major surgery, some patients can experience confusion (delirium), anxiety, or agitation. This study wants to find out if using MindfulGarden can help reduce these issues, make recovery smoother, and lessen the need for certain medications. One group of patients will use the device, while another group will receive usual care. The aim is to see if MindfulGarden is a practical and helpful tool for patients recovering from heart surgery.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Delirium - Postoperative Agitation Anxiety Cardiac Surgery Recovery

What is this study about?

When people have major heart surgery, like a bypass or valve replacement, it's common for them to feel confused or agitated afterwards. This confusion is called delirium. It can make recovery harder and sometimes means staying in hospital longer. Doctors often use medicines to help with these feelings, but these can sometimes make people too sleepy. Because of this, there's a real need for other safe ways to help patients feel better without relying too much on medication.

This study is looking into a new approach using a device called MindfulGarden. Imagine a screen showing beautiful nature scenes and sounds that respond to how you're feeling, almost like a calming digital garden. The idea is that this interactive experience could help distract you, keep you engaged, and reduce feelings of confusion, worry, or agitation after your operation. If it works, it could make a big difference to how people recover from heart surgery.

Researchers want to see how well MindfulGarden can be used in a hospital setting and if patients find it helpful. They will also be checking if using the device leads to less confusion, less anxiety, and if patients need fewer medications to manage agitation. Ultimately, they hope to improve the recovery experience for people who have heart surgery.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a device called MindfulGarden for heart surgery patients.
MindfulGarden uses nature imagery and sounds to help reduce confusion and anxiety.
It aims to make recovery smoother and potentially reduce medication use.
Participation involves being randomly assigned to use the device or receive standard care.
It's for adults 18+ having open-heart surgery, with certain delirium risk factors.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are scheduled to have open-heart surgery at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. To be considered, you also need to have at least one factor that might increase your risk of experiencing confusion (delirium) after surgery. These risk factors include being aged 65 or older, having had delirium before, having a history of a stroke or 'mini-stroke' (TIA), having some memory problems, or being treated for depression.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have very severe memory problems, or if you have serious mental health conditions that would make it difficult to take part. Also, if you have very poor eyesight that can't be corrected, or if you're already involved in another clinical trial that might affect the results of this one, you might not be able to participate. It's always best to discuss your individual situation with your doctor.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or older?
Are you scheduled for open-heart surgery at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver?
Do you have a risk factor for delirium (e.g., aged 65+, history of delirium, past stroke/TIA, some memory issues, or current depression treatment)?
Do you understand English well enough to give informed consent and follow study procedures?
Do you have good enough eyesight (with or without glasses/contacts) to see a screen clearly?
Are you NOT currently in another medical study that might affect these results?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. Being 'randomly placed' means it's like flipping a coin – you won't get to choose which group you're in. One group will receive all the usual care after your heart surgery, plus they'll have access to the MindfulGarden device. The other group will receive just the usual care.

Your usual post-operative care includes standard ways to try and prevent or reduce confusion after surgery. If you're in the MindfulGarden group, you'll use the device as directed. Throughout your hospital stay, the research team will monitor how you're recovering. This will involve observations and questions to assess if you experience confusion, anxiety, or agitation, and to see how much medication might be needed. The total duration of your participation will be during your recovery period in the hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that if you are in the group using MindfulGarden, it might help you feel calmer and less confused after surgery, potentially making your recovery more comfortable and reducing the need for certain medications. There are no known direct risks associated with using the MindfulGarden device itself, as it is a screen-based display with nature imagery and sounds. However, as with any medical study, there's always a chance that the intervention might not have the hoped-for effect, or that your individual experience might vary. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Paul's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What is 'delirium'?

Delirium is a state of severe confusion that can happen suddenly, often after an illness, injury, or surgery. People might feel disoriented, agitated, or have trouble paying attention.

Is MindfulGarden a medicine?

No, MindfulGarden is not a medicine. It's a device that uses responsive nature images and sounds, aiming to help distract and calm you, rather than being a drug you take.

Why is this study only for people having heart surgery?

People having heart surgery are at a higher risk of experiencing confusion (delirium), so this study focuses on this specific group to see if MindfulGarden can be particularly helpful for them.

Will I know if I'm getting the MindfulGarden or not?

Yes, you will know if you are in the group receiving the MindfulGarden device or the group receiving standard care. The study isn't 'blinded' in that way for patients.

Can I still have regular pain relief if I participate?

Absolutely. You will still receive all your routine post-operative care, including any necessary pain relief and other standard treatments, regardless of which group you are in.

How to find out more

Alana Flexman, MD

aflexman@providencehealth.bc.ca 604-682-2344 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.